What I’ve Learned from #StormNation
“Never stop learning.” I’ve heard this piece of advice a lot in my life and it’s something that I truly try to live by.
Most bowlers know that you can learn every time you step on the lanes. This can be rewarding but can also be frustrating. Believe me, I know that sometimes it can be difficult to allow yourself to learn when the pins aren’t falling as easily as you think they should. Those moments can teach you a lot.
“Never stop learning.”
Learning doesn’t stop when the tournaments are over. One of my favorite parts of social media is the ability to learn from other bowlers in your network. Choose who you follow carefully and you’ll be surprised how inspiring and educational your newsfeed can become.
The Storm Nation page on our website has become a community bulletin board for videos, tips, stories and accomplishments from bowlers all around the world. I enjoy listening to the stories that you post and I’ve learned some pretty cool things from each of you. Here’s some of what I’ve learned:
- It’s fun to see what’s in your bag.
Like snowflakes, no two bowlers are exactly alike which means your arsenal isn’t exactly the same either. It’s interesting to see what your favorite Storm bowling ball is and why. Your explanation might not be the same as another person who chooses the same ball but that’s why it’s important for your voice to be heard. Thanks for sharing your stories. - Strikes don’t always look the same but make you feel great.
Sometimes strikes are 10 back, sometimes there’s a wicked messenger, sometimes that last pin takes a couple extra seconds to fall, sometimes you know it’s going to strike off your hand…it’s always fun to strike. The #StormStrikeChallenge was exciting because it was an opportunity to see a variety of styles and see who can create the coolest strike. Don’t worry if you didn’t get a chance to participate in this challenge this time, we’ll host other challenges in 2017. - Bowlers practice.
In a sport that depends on repetition and muscle memory as much as bowling does, practice is crucial. I’ve seen videos from bowlers who are in their practice sessions at all hours of the day. I’ve seen you practice by yourself, with friends, or in a team setting. I’ve seen videos of drills to help improve parts of your game. These posts are honest and are great to see (even when you don’t knock 10 pins down). Your passion and determination is contagious. - There’s no feeling better than hitting a new honor score milestone.
Whether it’s your first 100, 200 or 300 game or your first 600, 700, or 800 series…in that moment, you feel like you’re on top of the world. I can see it in your victory dances at the foul line, hugs with your teammates, or big smiles with the bowling ball after the game/set is complete. I love to see these posts and hear which Storm Bowling ball you were using to reach this new milestone. - Champions Choose Storm.
Thanks for sharing all of your winning moments on social media! It’s awesome to see the smiles on your faces when you’re standing atop a podium, receiving a medal, or winning for the very first time. It’s great to hear what ball(s) you were throwing along the way. You’ve worked hard to get to these moments. Thanks for choosing to throw Storm bowling balls to win. - Giving back is universal.
Our owners at Storm, Bill and Barbara Chrisman, are two incredibly generous individuals. They inspire all of the employees to give back and participate in initiatives throughout the year. You join in some of these fundraisers with us too like, Paint the Lanes Pink. We couldn’t do what we do without you. We have seen your #StormNation posts that you give back on the lanes in your community too. We’ve also seen lots of adult bowlers volunteering with youth leagues and helping future bowlers fall in love with the sport. Thank you for being generous and caring individuals. #StormNation wouldn’t be the same without you. - Your team is always behind you.
Bowling has a way of bringing people together and keeping them close. I’ve seen posts about high school teams, college teams, league teams, family, and friends on the lanes. Some days it may feel like this support system is the only thing keeping you sane on the lanes. Having a support system is priceless and I enjoy seeing posts about your teams. - We all travel.
Trunks full of bowling bags or getting ready to board a plane is a common photo among all of the #StormNation bowlers. I’ve seen your posts about traveling for fun and competition from leagues to tournaments. Thanks for posting about which Storm Bowling balls are going along for the ride. It’s exciting to see what’s in your arsenal. Bowling gives us all the opportunity to see new places and meet new friends. - Storm Bowling Balls make great presents.
I see those smiles when you unwrap your present! It’s always fun to open a new bowling ball under the Christmas tree, for a birthday, or a special occasion. It’s exciting to see what’s inside, head to the pro shop to get it drilled, and then take it out on the lanes for the first time. If you’re ever wondering what to get a bowler…here’s your hint, there’s no such thing as too many bowling balls. - #StormNation is everywhere.
Thanks for posting photos from all around the world. It’s really cool to see all the wonderful bowling centers and hear about your bowling. We can’t wait to hear about how successful you’ll be in 2017!
Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram to share your #StormNation story. We’re listening.
See you on the lanes!